Life is Like a Box of Chocolates…

“…you never know what you’re gonna get.” Forrest Gump was right. And it looks like this year, I didn’t get a Golden Heart final, nor did some of my very talented friends.

But for those who did, Congratulations! You were recognized for your talent and determination, and you earned it!

The GH lists are not quite complete, but I did recognize many of the names on the list. Which makes me excited, because we are part of a community. And seeing others succeed who have worked so hard is proof that hard work does bring results.

So today, since I just dipped into my emergency hidden stash of Ghirardelli Luxe Milk Almond Squares, I thought I’d post some facts about chocolate to put all of us non-winners into a better mood.

Chocolate is a natural antidepressant because it produces serotonin in your body. And a natural aphrodisiac because of the procuction of phenylethylamine, the chemical we produce when we’re in love.

So next time you’re writing that love scene, break out the chocolate!

Scientifically speaking, chocolate is NOT addictive (but not to my body).

1.4 ounces of dark chocolate lowers cortisol and catecholamines, reducing anxiety, thus helping you get that job done and deal with stresses, like not winning the GH.

Dark chocolate has more antioxidants than light, but 71% of Americans prefer light.

The ancient Aztecs drank it, as did the folks in Regency England, often in coffee houses, the precursors to our Starbucks. It was served in tall cups with milk added.

Cocoa powder was produced in the 18th century, and made by a machine for the first time in 1828. At home, people carefully cooked chocolate or cocoa wtih milk and flavorings in a chocolate pot (that resembled a samovar with legs). In the coffee house, it would be whipped to a froth (just like a Starbucks cappuchino, coming right up!)

So, Gals, drink it or eat it, but then we’re going to do our BICHOK (butt in chair, hands on keyboard) and write those stories.